Information about books for Children/Tweens/YA, with a little bit of writing thrown in. Explore new books. Discover new authors. Uncover pieces of an author's life. All with a focus on getting Young Readers to read and write more.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes author Peggy McAloon whose stories deal with an element of life all of us would like to see vanish: child abuse.

First, a bit about Peggy:

Peggy McAloon was Sales Manager for a Century21 installation in Minnesota until a debilitating car accident forced her to give up the dream of owning the business in 1978. She went into the field of commercial credit and eventually became a recognized trainer, speaker, and author. She is retired, but still works passionately for children’s rights and water conservation and protection.
She published”The Art of Business Credit Investigation” in the ‘80’s and “Elle Burton and the Reflective Portals” in 2014.

Why did you pick to write books for children/MG?

The abuse of my childhood broke my spirit, and yet it inspired me to champion children’s rights. In addition to the abuse, I also became victimized by the bullies at school who saw an easy target in a child already completely victimized. I recognized early in life kids are easily hurt and need someone to convince them to get help when they’re in trouble. I am also painfully aware of the methods used when children are threatened not to seek help or are otherwise too afraid to ask someone to help them.

So, I decided to write a fantasy about a young role model who could inspire and encourage kids to stand up to the social injustices they face daily (abuse, bullying, loss, etc.). To do that successfully, I decided to draw on my love of reading. As a child, I discovered I could escape the pain and suffering of the real world by losing myself in the characters in the books I so dearly loved. The most surprising part of this journey has been the women who have discovered the book and shared their stories of abuse with me after reading it.

What types of books do you like to read?

I tend to be an “evolving” reader. When I was young, I much preferred fantasy and adventure. As a young mother, I became lost in mystery books. I’ve been branching out into historical, self-help, and I tend to pick up and reread the classics I read earlier in life. I still lean heavily toward a good mystery or action story and tend to weave that in my writing.

My biggest regret today is that I never knew how important reviews were for authors. I’ve kept a list of the hundreds of books I’ve read over the past 15 years, and I plan to try to make sure I eventually write a review for each and every one.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

I love traveling with my husband and spending special time with the kids and grandkids. You will frequently find me dabbling in photography and pursuing my interest in art. I love to play with the two little rescue dogs who hang out beside me as I write. I’ve won several awards for my watercolors, and I currently belong to three art groups (two in Wisconsin and one in Mississippi). I received the National Conservation Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution a little over a year ago. I earned the award for my efforts in protecting our ground and surface waters for not only our safe use, but for future generations.

Tell us about Elle Burton and the Reflective Portals and how the story came to be.

Elle Burton is an ordinary kid. Very much like you and I were when we were small. I needed her to be smart, but still have the flaws other children have. I decided to include an element of magic and fantasy to keep kids engaged in the story.

Elle journeys from this world into another dimension through reflective portals where creatures called Fiorins have a special link to all human life. She learns the remarkable creatures chose her as a guide to help them, and it seems like the opportunity of a lifetime. Elle has always loved helping others, and now she’ll have magical assistance. There are evil forces in the book too, just like there are in real life that do everything in their power to keep the guides from offering support to those in need.The book will keep young minds engaged as they travel with Elle to Fiori to discover magical foot lockers, spider elevators, and the beloved Pegasus. Her journey on the crusade to protect the world’s children will help inspire kids to help peers who are being bullied or abused or seek help themselves. Elle’s a modern-day role model who embodies everything that is good in this world.

Here's a peek at Elle Burton and the Reflective Portals:

Elle Burton is an ordinary kid…or so she thinks. On her tenth birthday she encounters Eunie Mae, a tiny, fairylike being who comes from a world called Fiori. Other than some children under the age of eight, the only human beings who can see Fiorins are guides—people who have been chosen to help protect the children of Earth.Being a guide seems like the opportunity of a lifetime. Elle has always loved helping others, and now she’ll have magical assistance. But not everybody wants her to succeed. There are evil forces that do everything in their power to keep the guides from offering support to those in need.Join her as she enlists the Fiorin warrior Amadeus and others to help her protect the human children against bullying and physical abuse. The children at risk Elle encounters are dependent on her decisions and quick responses. Traveling to Fiori, she discovers magical foot lockers, spider elevators, and the beloved Pegasus. She is a modern-day role model who embodies everything that is good in this world, but will she be strong enough to combat the problems children face in the 21st Century?

Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.

I have written for newspapers and magazines for years. I have also been the editor of several newsletters for organizations throughout the years. The first book I published was a resource guide for commercial credit managers called The Art of Business Credit Investigation back in the 80’s. Between family, civic, and business responsibilities I couldn’t find the time to write a complete novel until after retirement. I have two more full-length novels in various stages of editing, and a third is in the early stages of writing. My short stories appear in two anthologies: An Anthology of Modern Fairy Tales #1: 10 Original Tales About Wishful Happy Endings to Real Life Experiences and So What Do You Do: Discovering the Genius Next Door with One Simple Question, Volume 2.

I am currently working on the final edit of Missing, the second book in the Lessons from Fiori series. This book continues Elle Burton’s story in this ‘Coming of Age’ adventure. I've also completed the first draft of Secrets of the Lake, a murder mystery.

What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

Elle’s journey will continue as she grows into an adult. The first two books in the series have set the foundation, but human guides continue to help the winged creatures through adulthood. I know exactly how the series will end, but I continue to discover things about Elle as the books proceed. She currently appeals to kids 8+, but I’ve already discovered she also appeals to Mom’s and Grandmothers. I expect as she continues to mature, she will begin to appeal to teens as well.

What advice do you have for other authors?

Make certain you begin marketing long before the book is ready for publication. Ask for references for anyone you choose to help you on the journey. I self-published the book in the 80’s and had no problems. That book was highly successful in its niche, and I considered it a great success – I knew the industry!

A novel was something quite different. I hired people to help me bring it to print and market it. Some have disappointed, and some have conned me. I now understand this is a business like any business. Don’t sign a check or send a payment without a signed contract to protect you. Don’t send anyone money without references. Make sure some of those references don’t come directly from the vendor you are checking out. Just remember, every con artist has at least three references who will give them a glowing report, so ask for more than three!

I’ve read some incredibly good books and some which are not as great. Editing is not an option. It is an integral part of any successful book. Seek out recommendations and make certain you are working with professionals.

Anything else you want readers to know?

I have written this fantasy series to encourage kids to find someone to talk to if they are being hurt in any way. Elle Burton is far from perfect, but she can teach your child how to remain calm and have the courage to find help when necessary. Unfortunately, the majority of child victims know the person who mistreats them. Ask your children frequently if anyone has made them uncomfortable or has hurt them. Let them know that no one has a right to make them feel bad and believe them even if the answer rocks your world.

My desire to create a role model strong enough to combat the problems children face in the 21st Century was a direct result of the terror I experienced as a child. Before the book was released, I worked with Catherine Gruener, a child counselor to prepare a discussion sheet for parents to help them discuss some of the issues kids in the book face. It is always easier to talk about problems and solutions using fictional characters. Catherine AZ Gruener is the founder and owner of Gruener Consulting, LLC, a premier education program provider offering solutions to both parents and educators. Through its unique workshops and services for gifted children, and positive discipline parent classes and seminars. The discussion sheet is at http://peggymcaloon.com under the Books, Reviews, and Publicity Tab. (Here is a direct link to it: http://peggymcaloon.com/wp-content/uploads/C.Gruener.2014.Elle-Burton-and-the-Reflective-Portals-Discussion-Sheet.pdf).

Hostesses:

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *Please Read*

1. Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.

* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.*

* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *

* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*

* Feel free to link more than one post.*

2. Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS from the Kid Lit Blog Hop directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment.We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you!
3. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links!
4. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!

I’m a 'happily-ever-after' author whose guilty pleasure is a swoon-worthy romance. Growing up, I spent my youth on various Air Force bases in many different states, which I credit with fueling my imagination and love of make-believe stories with each new city, scenery, and situation. Finally settling in Idaho, I finished my schooling years and eventually started a family. Two years ago, our family made the move to Northern Colorado, which we’ve quickly embraced as our home.

My debut novel Raine was a result of a short story competition held by Creative Prose Publishing. Elemental Princess was awarded second place in the competition and published in their Beginnings Anthology.Raine is the sequel, which subsequently was in the works for five years before Elemental Princess was written.

Why did you pick to write books for Young Adults?

Raine was written over a five year stretch when I was reading several YA books with my girls. I originally wanted to write something they would be proud to read as young women. They are much older now; however, I continue to enjoy writing books young people can read and embrace.What types of books do you like to read?

I love reading all genres, but my guilty pleasure is a swoon-worthy romance. Not erotica, but the sweet romance that gives you the first time butterflies in your stomach and makes you feel lighter. I also love a happy-ever-after ending.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

I love spending time with my family and friends. Activities we enjoy include Frisbee golf, BBQs, going to the zoo or aquarium, visiting new eateries, going for walks or bikes rides, or attending movies. I LOVE movies, sometimes going by myself.Tell us about Raine and how the story came to be.

Raine came to me while cleaning my yard after a large thunderstorm rolled through. The area was a mess, especially the fire-pit on the patio. I was sifting through the water to find a way to drain it when an image of a young girl controlling the water filtered through my brain.

Here a peek at Raine:

Starting her senior year of high school, Raine Patterson is content with being invisible. That is, until the mysteriously handsome Kaden transfers in and turns her world upside down. Drawn to him in ways she can’t understand, Raine finds herself falling for him, regardless of his harsh stares and mixed signals. When she discovers a hidden ability to control the elements, she finds herself the target of a madman, and Kaden is the only one who can help her. Can she trust him?

Kaden Williams has hated Elementals from the time he lost his father to them as a young boy. Chosen to protect Elementals, Kaden turned his back on his duty, swearing to rid the world of them instead. Meeting Raine was no accident, but his feelings for her throw him into turmoil and threaten to change the way he feels about Elementals. When Raine becomes the target of an unknown aggressor, Kaden is forced to decide which path he will follow.

As the struggle for knowledge unfolds and the beginning of a pending war looms closer, Raine and Kaden must lean on each other to discover the truth and survive.Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.

My other published works consist of short stories. • Elemental Princess is the prequel to Raine and was written for my niece Kaesen. Her mother was battling breast cancer at the time. Being so far away, I couldn’t help the family physically, so I wrote her a story to bring a little cheer to her life. Elemental Princess took second place in a writing contest, and was published in 2014• Reflections is a short story about a young girl Meredith who loves to hear the story of how her parent’s met. While Meredith listens intently, she is unaware of the struggle her parents face as her mother battles cancer. This story was also a writing contest winner and was published in February 2014.• Perfect Proposal is published in Summer Dreams Anthology. Anne is looking forward to a wonderful night with Jason, but simple misunderstanding might tear their world apart.

What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

Dangerous Obsession is my current work-in-progress which is set to publish later this year. The story follows Chloe, a dancer with the LA Lakers, who becomes the obsession of a stalker, and Eric, a recently divorce, wounded soldier whose sworn off women for good. The more time they spend together, the harder it is to resist their growing attraction, all the while trying to keep Chloe safe from her unknown stalker

I am also working on Autumn, the sequel to Raine.

What advice do you have for other authors?

Keep writing. There will be moments that you want to give up, moments when frustration overwhelms you, but keep writing. You have a story the world needs to hear, and only you can tell it.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes author Annie Douglass Lima. Annie writes fantasy fiction and could be called a citizen of the World!

First, a bit about Annie:

Annie Douglass Lima spent most of her childhood in Kenya and later graduated from Biola University in Southern California. She and her husband Floyd currently live in Taiwan, where she teaches fifth grade at Morrison Academy. She has been writing poetry, short stories, and novels since her childhood, and to date has published ten books: one YA action and adventure novel, four fantasies, a puppet script, and four anthologies of her students’ poetry.

Why did you pick to write books for YA?

It’s not so much that I picked that. The stories came to me, and when I wrote them, that ended up being the age group they fit best.

What types of books do you like to read?

My favorites are science fiction and fantasy.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

Read, travel, and scrapbook!

Tell us about The Collar and the Cavvarach and how the story came to be.The Collar and the Cavvarach takes place in a world very much like our own, except that slavery is legal there. The main character, Bensin, is a teenage slave who is trying to protect and free his younger sister Ellie. He’s an athlete, and he competes in a martial art called cavvara shil, with all the prize money going to his owner, of course.

It’s hard to say exactly how the idea came to me. It just grew gradually in my mind until Bensin and the others were as real to me as my family and friends. I drafted the novel in November 2013 for National Novel Writing Month, and I’ve been working on editing and polishing it ever since.Here's a peek at The Collar and the Cavvarach:

Bensin, a teenage slave and martial artist, is desperate to see his little sister freed. But only victory in the Krillonian Empire's most prestigious tournament will allow him to secretly arrange for Ellie's escape. Dangerous people are closing in on her, however, and Bensin is running out of time. With his one hope fading quickly away, how can Bensin save Ellie from a life of slavery and abuse?

Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.

I have a fantasy series called the Annals of Alasia. Each book deals with events surrounding the same major political incident: the invasion of the kingdom of Alasia by the neighboring kingdom of Malorn. Prince of Alasia begins on the night of the Invasion and describes what happens to twelve-year-old Prince Jaymin after he is forced to flee for his life. In the Enemy’s Service features a girl as the protagonist and tells the story of those who were not able to escape from the Alasian palace when the enemy invaded. Prince of Malorn begins several months earlier and focuses on the Malornian perspective of the events leading up to the Invasion. In each of the books, main characters from the others make brief appearances and interact with each other at the point where the time frames and settings overlap, but the books can be read in any order, and each one can stand on its own. I also have a shorter book in the series, Annals of Alasia: The Collected Interviews, that presents interrviews with the characters from the three main books. In it, they answer questions about their backgrounds, interests, and motivations. It helps give some interesting insights into their actions in the stories. This book is actually available for free on Amazon.

What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

I’m currently working on the sequel to The Collar and the Cavvarach. It’s called The Gladiator and the Guard. In addition, I’m putting the finishing touches on the next book in the Annals of Alasia.

What advice do you have for other authors?

Don’t try to write a scene perfectly the first time or get frustrated if it doesn’t turn out the way you hoped. Just get your ideas on paper in whatever rough form you need to; never mind selecting just the right words or fixing any mistakes. Leave the scene alone for a few days, and when you come back to it, read through it and smooth out the obvious errors. Read through it again later and work on polishing it up a little more, and then a little more the next time, and so on. I’ve found that it usually takes lots of passes before I’m satisfied with something I’ve written. Trying to make it perfect the first time is stressful and next to impossible, at least for me.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

This week I want to share with you the announcement that the new BookElves Anthology Volume 2 will be out in time for Christmas.

In 2013, twelve authors of books for young readers got together for a Christmas promotion. That promotion evolved into the first Anthology in 2014, to entertain readers, young and old, during the winter holiday season.

Now, in 2015, we are pleased to be publishing our second BookElves Anthology. Not all authors—now numbering thirteen—contribute a story each year depending on their writing schedules. Still we hope you will pick up a copy as we are sure you will enjoy the variety of stories in each Anthology.

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *Please Read*

1. Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.

* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.*

* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *

* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*

* Feel free to link more than one post.*

2. Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS from the Kid Lit Blog Hop directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment.We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you!
3. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links!
4. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes author Eric Price. He writes the Saga of the Wizards fantasy series as well as science fiction and children's stories. Eric is also a fellow Muse It Up author.

First, a bit about Eric:

Eric Price lives with his wife and two sons in northwest Iowa. He began publishing in 2008 when he started writing a quarterly column for a local newspaper. Later that same year he published his first work of fiction, a spooky children’s story called Ghost Bed and Ghoul Breakfast. Since then, he has written stories for children, young adults, and adults. Three of his science fiction stories have won honorable mention from the CrossTime Annual Science Fiction Contest. His first YA fantasy novel, Unveiling the Wizards’ Shroud, received the Children’s Literary Classics Seal of Approval and the Literary Classics Award for Best First Novel. His second novel, The Squire and the Slave Master, scheduled for a 2015 release, continues the Saga of the Wizards.

Why did you pick to write books for Young Adults?

I write YA right now because that’s where the stories I have fit best. I’ve also written a middle grade book, but I haven’t submitted it to publishers yet. Once I finish the Saga of the Wizards, I hope to try my hand at some adult novels too.What types of books do you like to read?

Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Action/Adventure, Mystery, Classics, Horror…really, I’m easy to please, it depends on what mood I’m in.When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

We travel a lot. I also work on my wife’s family’s farm.

Tell us about The Squire and the Slave Master and how the story came to be.

The Squire and the Slave Master has roots all the way back to the rewriting of Unveiling the Wizards’ Shroud. I wrote Unveiling the Wizards’ Shroud long before I ever sent it to a publisher. When I finally decided it had aged on my hard drive long enough (and at my wife’s persuasion), I started submitting it to publishers. I got a few form rejections before Muse It Up Publishing rejected it but with conditions that, if I would meet them, they’d take another look.

In the time it sat on my computer, I had thought of a second story taking place in the same world. I decided to introduce the main character of this second book in Unveiling the Wizards’ Shroud. So I went about rewriting it with Muse It Up’s suggestions, while introducing this new character at the beginning of the story and probably bringing her back at the end.

Well, it didn’t work exactly as I had intended. Yara insisted on sticking around for the bulk of Unveiling the Wizards’ Shroud, and I liked her character so much I didn’t fight it. Now she goes from being a secondary character to the main character in her own book…and you can bet she’ll find a way into book three.

Here's a peek at The Squire and the Slave Master:

Unveiling the Wizards’ Shroud chronicled Yara, Owen, and Cedric’s quest to revive King Kendrick from a dark, magical spell. After the adventure to save King Kendrick, for Yara, everyday life has grown monotonous. The dull work of learning her father’s blacksmithing trade, and the pressure from her parents to decide what she plans on doing with her life, has her nerves so stressed she snaps at her father’s slightest teasing.

Lucky for her, a surprise messenger from the castle brings the king’s request for her to join a collaborative mission between the Central and Western Domains of Wittatun to stop a recently discovered slave operation in a land to the west. King Kendrick and Owen want her to accompany the mission as a secret weapon disguised as a squire.

She has to keep secret not only her magical abilities from any possible traitors, but also her gender. The people of the Western Domain have a superstition prohibiting girls from sailing. But a chill wind carries the distinct odor of sabotage. Can one girl survive to destroy an evil rooted much deeper than mere slavery? Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.

I mentioned the MG book above. I wrote it at my oldest son’s request. When he put it together that I write books, he asked if I’d write a book about his favorite baseball player, Yadier Molina. I told him I wouldn’t because I had no idea where to begin at getting rights to do such a thing, but instead I offered to write him a book about a kid whose favorite player is Yadier Molina. He agreed to my compromise. I have to go through it again before I can start trying to find a publisher. Something’s not quite right yet, but I haven’t figured out what.

What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

I’m well into the third and final book from the Saga of the Wizards titled A Wizard Reborn. Owen and Yara will have to put all their skills to use to stop—well, let’s allow people to read The Squire and the Slave Master before we tell them too much about A Wizard Reborn.

What advice do you have for other authors?

My “go-to” advice recently has been aimed at aspiring authors: Write your own story. Don’t try to write the next Harry Potter, or Divergent, or whatever. These stories have already been written. If you’re going to put in the effort to write, make it something original.

Anything else you want readers to know?

For the month of September, I’ve had an interesting project running on my website/blog. I’ve been working with an American Literature high school class in Nantes, France. For one of their projects, they read the first two chapters of Unveiling the Wizards’ Shroud before breaking into groups and writing what they though should come next. I posted their versions, one each day, from September 2-17. It’s too late to vote for your favorites, but the project is still worth reading. Here’s a link to the introduction post: http://tinyurl.com/oou3tu5.

Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend

Author Shout

Historical Novel Society

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About Me

I’m a retired high school English teacher. A devourer of books growing up, my profession introduced me to writings and authors from times long past. Through my studies and teaching, I fell in love with the Ancient and Medieval Worlds. Now, I hope to inspire young readers and those Young-at-Heart to read more through my Tales and Legends for Reluctant Readers set in these worlds.
I also conduct Medieval Writing Workshops for local elementary/middle schools.